When trading stocks, you need to have real-time information of stock markets to give you an edge over the rest. Considering that fortunes can come and go in just seconds, passive tracking will help you respond in time to succeed. Switching between tabs on a single monitor could cost you a fortune. As you waste time switching tabs, you lose out on opportunities to make financial decisions that could earn you money. Multiple monitors will help you to simultaneously track exchange rates. While keeping tabs on financial reports, you can also track markets, watch the news, and research pricing trends. You can visit this page to learn more about a 6 monitor setup and the importance of multiple monitors.
If you are trying to cut a niche in trading stocks or expanding your horizons, a 6 monitor setup is a good start. Since you will be using the monitors in different ways depending on your trading needs, your trading station has to be well set up. Whether you have a multiple monitor setup or any other multi-monitor setup, follow the following guide:
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Determine the Number and Size of Monitors You Need
This is the first step for you if you are looking at a multiple monitor trading station. Now that you have realized that you need several monitors, it’s time to determine the number and size. Depending on your budget, you can go for a dual-monitor setup, a 6 monitor setup, or even a 20 monitor setup. Apart from your available funds, you also need to look at the number of charts you would track simultaneously. Note that most monitors have the maximum capacity of displaying four charts at a time. Therefore, if you intend to simultaneously track 16 charts, then you need 4 to 6 monitors. You can get wider monitors to give you a wider display to track more charts.
Get the Best Monitor Panels for Your Trading Needs
Setting up a trading station isn’t just all about buying monitors and connecting them for display. There are different types of monitors with different features of performance you can consider. These are:
Twisted Nematic (TN)
This is the cheapest LCD panel type of monitor which could work for you if you are keen on your budget. These types of monitors are fast in terms of response time but are not as good as VA and IPS monitors in terms of contrast ratios and color reproduction. This is because their color is in 6-bit format. However, they still work well for tracking markets.
Vertical Alignment (VA)
As compared to the TN, Vertical Alignment monitors give wide-angle viewing, high contrast ratios, and better color reproduction. However, their response times are slower, but this does not make them inferior for trading purposes. They work very well.
In-Plane Switching (IPS)
The IPS monitors are of the highest quality and best suited for great-looking chart output. So if you’re considering a 6 monitor setup, this is your type. The accuracy in color is unbeatable, with an excellent side-view angle quality. On the downside, the response time is slower than TN monitors and they consume more power. However, if you are setting up multiple monitors, this is the best type for better visibility of charts.
Consider Using Graphics Hardware In Addition to the 6 Monitor Setup
While many computers support two or 2-3 monitors without needing a graphics card, you should get one for efficiency. Graphics hardware comes in three categories:
- The Integrated Graphics hardware which is best for 2-3 monitors that have a lighter workload. It is the cheapest option but is not the best performing in terms of handling 4K displays.
- The Mixed Integrated graphics hardware can expand your display capacity and is suitable for a 4 monitor setup. It is the best option for watching several charts for comparison.
- The Dedicated graphics hardware; giving the best performance for trading due to its reliability in handling multiple displays. However, it’s the most expensive and if you are using your monitors for trading only, then it is not necessary.
Also read: How can you upgrade your old computer completely?
Identify a Mounting Method That Suits Your Monitors and Work Surface
For two or three monitors, you can easily place them on top of your desk and your trading station will be set up. However, if you are considering a 6 monitor setup or more, then you should mount them to avoid congestion and other inconveniences. The type and size of the mount also depend on the size of your monitors. Before you buy a mount, ensure that the monitors you bought fit within the size and weight requirements of the mount.
Mounting methods to consider include free-standing mounts, a desk monitor stand, or a clamped desk mount. If your trading station has a single post, then a clamp mount or grommet mount would be ideal. The monitor mounts come in 2×2 and 4×1 arrays for 4 monitors, 3×2 and 6×1 for a 6 monitor setup, and 4×2 for 8 monitors. Your work surface will also determine the number of monitors and mounting array you choose.
Final Thoughts
You have seen the things you need to consider while setting up your multiple monitors. Not only does the number of monitors matter in productivity, but also the panels, graphics hardware, and mounting method. This is an ever-evolving process that you can start with two or three monitors to boost your productivity. However, having more; like a 6 monitor setup; would give you a better display to track market trends and yield better results. So, go ahead, set up your trading station, and explore the trading opportunities in front of you!